Michigan Football: Why Wilton Speight could exceed expectations
Wilton Speight has a lot of doubters as the starting quarterback for Michigan football, but there are many reasons he could exceed expectations in 2017.
I have never been a huge fan of Wilton Speight as the starting quarterback of Michigan football. I can’t really tell you why, there just always seemed to be a better option out there.
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Before last season, I opined that John O’Korn should be the starting quarterback. That he offered more upside and more playmaking ability than Speight, someone often viewed as more a game manager.
One year later, my views about Speight and what he means to Michigan football are still conflicted. But the other day, I simply had to ask myself, why am I (and so many others) so down on Speight? A guy that just got named to another preseason award watch list.
Certainly, Speight wasn’t a superstar in 2016, but if you look at his numbers, you have to admit, he wasn’t half bad. A 61.4 completion percentage is nothing to scoff at. Neither are his 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The game-winning touchdown pass against Wisconsin is another play that sticks out in my mind. The fourth-and-goal overtime conversion against Ohio State is another.
However, Speight’s critics have just as much ammunition. The two interceptions against the Buckeyes were killer. In all honesty, they might have cost the Wolverines a Big Ten championship.
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At the same time, would Michigan football be in a position to beat Ohio State without Speight? My guess is probably not, not if O’Korn played like he did against Indiana.
The game against Iowa, when he completed 11-of-26 passes also doesn’t help. But of course, his shoulder injury may have been a factor there.
Looking back, I have to say I was impressed with Speight’s performance in Columbus last season. At the time, I found it promising for the future.
Mistakes were made yes, but gutsy throws were made too.
There’s something about Speight and his 6-5 frame. He’s hard to sack and he finds a way to get the ball down field. He needs to get better and thanks to an intense quarterback competition and a head coach that’s even more intense, he probably will.
In fact, I’ve started thinking if Speight does win the job, he might just exceed everyone’s expectations this fall. Some of his weapons are gone, but he should have a stellar ground game and another salty defense at his disposal.
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Speight needs to be better yes, but after a year of seasoning, he should be. Harbaugh is supposed to be the quarterback guru and in 2017, Speight could very well be his next masterpiece.